Sources indicate that Nigeria is set to appoint ambassadors, 18 months following a global recall

Nigeria’s government has begun the process of evaluating potential candidates to head its over 100 diplomatic missions, with appointments anticipated “very soon” following President Bola Tinubu’s recall of all ambassadors 18 months ago, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa and an important Western ally in the battle against Islamist insurgents in West Africa, has been without ambassadors since September 2023.

The foreign affairs minister has previously attributed the delay in appointing new diplomats to insufficient funding.

A government source informed Reuters that the matter “is being resolved” and “that means the appointment will be announced very soon.”

An intelligence official informed Reuters that Nigeria’s security services were performing background checks on potential appointees and had begun to share their findings with the appropriate agencies within the presidency and legislature.

A representative from the presidency directed inquiries to the foreign affairs ministry, which chose not to provide a comment. The sources chose to remain anonymous as they lack the authorization to discuss the issue.

Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has focused on addressing Nigeria’s ailing economy, while foreign policy has been relegated to a secondary position, according to a former ambassador with experience in Africa and the United States.

This year, the government has allocated 302.4 billion naira ($198.30 million) for its foreign missions.

The previous Nigerian ambassador stated that government officials had informed him that the topic of the lack of ambassadors in their respective countries had been raised during conversations between Tinubu and various foreign leaders.

“It has been assured that their appointments will be forthcoming,” stated the former ambassador, who wished to remain anonymous.